Hiking & Walking

If you are out for a gentle stroll or serious hike – the Garden Route Botanical Garden offers both scenic strolls around the dam (check out our Bird Hide) or a short nature trail (20 min) along a stream to the more serious full-day hiking trails that can be accessed from the Gardens.

THE DAM & BIRD HIDE (5min, easy):

From the parking area, walk away from the main building up the path that follows the contour of the dam. On the far end of the dam, you will see our Bird Hide. This is a great spot for photography and spotting a vast diversity of bird species which are home to the Garden Route Botanical Garden.

Follow the rustic gravel path north into the Garden Route Botanical Garden, for approximately 200m, until you are in the large open grass area (the Outeniqua Lawn). To your left you will notice a sluice with a small bridge crossing . Cross the bridge to find the start of a circular trail winding through a richly diverse ecosystem of afromontane forest. Whilst wondering through this serene meander, you will cross two crystal clear perennial mountain streams. This natural getaway also offers two picnic areas where you can enjoy a relaxing brunch. The entire route is graded as easy and can be completed within 20min of leisure walking.

HIKING (moderate – strenuous):

From the forest gate at the most northern point of the Garden Route Botanical Garden you are able to access the state forest. Various longer hiking trails (including George Peak, Cradock Peak and Tierkop) can be accessed from here. There are a multitude of trails and cycling tracks that can be explored.

ENTRANCE FEES – Entrance is R15.00 per person. Children under 12 get in for free, if accompanied by an adult.

GATE CLOSURES:

September to April: 07h00 – 19h00
May to August: 07h30 – 18h00

Please note: the front entrance and forest access gate will be locked after normal gate hours (as above). To avoid having your car or yourself being locked in, ensure you are back timeously.

Hiking & Walking

If you are out for a gentle stroll or serious hike – the Garden Route Botanical Garden offers both scenic strolls around the dam (check out our Bird Hide) or a short nature trail (20 min) along a stream to the more serious full-day hiking trails that can be accessed from the Gardens.

THE DAM & BIRD HIDE (5min, easy):

From the parking area, walk away from the main building up the path that follows the contour of the dam. On the far end of the dam, you will see our Bird Hide. This is a great spot for photography and spotting a vast diversity of bird species which are home to the Garden Route Botanical Garden.

Follow the rustic gravel path north into the Garden Route Botanical Garden, for approximately 200m, until you are in the large open grass area (the Outeniqua Lawn). To your left you will notice a sluice with a small bridge crossing . Cross the bridge to find the start of a circular trail winding through a richly diverse ecosystem of afromontane forest. Whilst wondering through this serene meander, you will cross two crystal clear perennial mountain streams. This natural getaway also offers two picnic areas where you can enjoy a relaxing brunch. The entire route is graded as easy and can be completed within 20min of leisure walking.

HIKING (moderate – strenuous):

From the forest gate at the most northern point of the Garden Route Botanical Garden you are able to access the state forest. Various longer hiking trails (including George Peak, Cradock Peak and Tierkop) can be accessed from here. There are a multitude of trails and cycling tracks that can be explored.

ENTRANCE FEES – Entrance is R10.00 per person. Children under 12 get in for free, if accompanied by an adult.

GATE CLOSURES:

September to April: 07h00 – 19h00
May to August: 07h30 – 18h00

Please note: the front entrance and forest access gate will be locked after normal gate hours (as above). To avoid having your car or yourself being locked in, ensure you are back timeously.

MTB (Mountain Trail Biking) / Cycling

From the forest gate at the most northern point of our gardens you are able to access the state forest which boasts a multitude of MTB tracks. These well maintained trails are used and loved by many nature lovers in the Garden Route.

We suggest you contact one of the MTB clubs based in the Garden Route who arrange regular meets. One such example is Hill Billies – please visit their website for info on trails, meets, etc.

GATE CLOSURES: (gates will be locked outside of the below times)

September to April: 07h00 – 19h00
May – August: 07h30 – 18h00

Please note: the front gate and forest access gate will be locked after normal gate hours. To avoid having your car or yourself being locked in, ensure you are back timeously.

Also note that venturing alone in the state forest is not advised and there have been incidences in the past. We suggest you cycle in larger groups and inform others of your intended route. Please take note of the below emergency contact details.

Park Run (every Saturday at 08h00)

Park Run organise free, WEEKLY, 5km timed runs starting in the Garden Route Botanical Garden. They are open to everyone, free, safe and easy to take part in. These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; we welcome you all.

Public Events

Easily reached by the Go George Bus or car, the Garden Route Botanical Garden’s Garden (GRBG) provides stunning settings and tranquil spaces for the hosting of numerous private, public and corporate events. Throughout the year the GRBG has something for everyone: seasonal festivals and exhibits, environmental education programmes, and luxurious private venues for weddings and corporate events. Join us in reconnecting with the beauty of nature. To book an event or function at the Garden Route Botanical Garden call us at 044 874 1558 or email us at info@botanicalgarden.org.za.

Geocache

Ever heard of Geocache Treasure Hunt?

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

What are the rules of geocaching?

If you take something from the geocache (or “cache”), leave something of equal or greater value.

Write about your find in the cache logbook.

What do I need to go geocaching?

The only necessities are a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache. Alternatively we may provide you with a map or a set of riddles to help you on your way.

Who can Play?

The Hunt is open to the public during normal visiting hours of the garden. The game is suited to anyone who is able to operate a GPS or a smartphone and has the ability to walk the required distance to each cache (so pretty much most people)!

Set in the tranquil Garden Route Botanical Garden at the heart of George, Getafix Garden Café offers a quiet escape from the daily grind. It is a great venue for a leisurely family breakfast or delicious afternoon tea.

Relax in the garden overlooking the magical Outeniqua Mountains, whilst the children amuse themselves in the play park, which is guaranteed to give parents a much needed break.

Bring your dog along after your stroll in the park. Water, play balls and ropes are available for your pooch.

Please ask your waitron about our loyalty program which gives you something back for your loyalty!